Possible chance to go hunt in Africa

  • 431 Views
  • Last Post 16 August 2021
[email protected] posted this 04 April 2021

So my brother calls me the other day and says, "hey you want to go on a Safari"? Me: huh, to Africa? Brother yep! Making a long story short, if this all works out, the subject of ammo came up. Seeing as how 30 06 factory ammo is almost non-existent right now, would it be ok to take handloads? I would rather take factory but my brother says handloads are fine, at least that's what he was told.

The largest game in the chosen package are Kudu and Zebra, That brings up the Hornady 180gr. 30 caliber interlock bullets that I have a supply of.  Would they be adequate? From what I can find, no premium 30- caliber bullets like Nozler partitions etc., for handloading are available either. 

I shoot a 180 grain Saeco cast out of my Model 70 accurately using an almost full power 30 -40 krag load. I would love to take it but a failure with homemade bullets might start an un welcome conversation. 

If all this starts a conversation I figure it will be fun if nothing else. Thanks Folks

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • M3 Mitch
Order By: Standard | Newest | Votes
[email protected] posted this 16 August 2021

Do to conditions in South Africa with the Delta variant and political unrest we canceled our trip to Africa. Well at Least l have enough 30.06  reloads to last a while!

Attached Files

BigMan54 posted this 07 May 2021

In the "Good old Days"; Sierra was in Santa Fe Springs. About 6-7 miles from Weatherby in South Gate.

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

Attached Files

[email protected] posted this 07 May 2021

Note about the 180 GMX bullets in my 30 06. Only powder I have and can find is Alliant Reloader 22. I reduced the Alliant listed max charge by 10%. for 180 gr. bullets. Which is 54 grains. First load stuck the bolt. Glad I only loaded up 1 to test!

I had a little Reloader 19, enough to make up 9 loads. 55 grains of the 19 was mild and accurate. I've loaded standard 180s to almost max in the rifle with Reloader 22 with no problems. This kinda' doesn't make sense! 

I realize the GMX is longer, possibly encroaching on powder space, and harder, but if it produces that much much pressure compared to standard bullets with a slightly slower powder is it worth the effort? 

Attached Files

[email protected] posted this 12 April 2021

We are going with a trusted acquaintance that has been there and using this outfitter 3 times. He says it is a class act. Taking our own rifle and handloads is not an issue. Also the outfitter will have big guns to rent if needed or want. 

Really I'm kind'a just going along for the experience. Might decide not to pull the trigger anyhow. With my modest home I don't know what I'd do with a stuffed Zebra. WE will see.

I started practicing shooting in the back yard using those tripod sticks like they us over there. Used the pellet gun. It was fun and enlightening. Will take the 06 using the cast real soon. Maybe shoot some groundhogs. Small ones eat pretty good. 

Anyway thanks guys! 

 

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • M3 Mitch
Wineman posted this 11 April 2021

You may not be able to bring your rifle or ammunition. My friend went to Namibia in 2019. They used the guides rifles (300 WM with a suppressor). He is also a good game shot and was able to get Zebra, Heartabeast, Oryx, Eland, Warthog, Kudu and Baboon. Got all the taxidermy done there.

Dave

Attached Files

Squid Boy posted this 10 April 2021

African game can take an extraordinary amount of killing if hit badly the first time. I sadly witnessed a Sitatunga literally shot to pieces after being gut shot with a 375 H&H. Bullets are cheap by comparison to a lost head over there. Buy the very best you can find. Shoot straight and good luck. Squid Boy 

"Squid Pro Quo"

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • M3 Mitch
Larry Gibson posted this 10 April 2021

"The largest game in the chosen package are Kudu and Zebra, That brings up the Hornady 180gr. 30 caliber interlock bullets that I have a supply of.  Would they be adequate? "

The Hornady bullets will be entirely adequate.  I have killed many elk and caribou with them along with big horn sheep and many deer loaded to 2700 - 2800 fps out of my 30-06s.  I've used the 180 SP and 190 SPBTs but mostly prefer the 180 SPBT.  Ranges ran from 25 to 478 yards.  Never had a problem with them and prefer them over any "premium" bullet including Nosler partitions.  If i were to hunt Africa I would use my '06 with the 180 Hornady SPBTs for all but DG.

LMG

 

Concealment is not cover.........

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • RicinYakima
  • M3 Mitch
gnoahhh posted this 10 April 2021

Sounds like you got it covered. I would've beat the bushes to come up with a hat full of 180 TSX's. As much as I love shooting/hunting with cast bullets, for a once in a lifetime hunting trip I would secure the very best/latest in jacketed bullet technology no matter the cost. Besides, if an unfortunate unplanned incident developed with an animal that could obliterate me, I would feel a whole lot better in that butt-puckering moment if I had a proven jacketed bullet up the spout ready to speed on its way at maximum velocity and guaranteed to penetrate/expand in an unholy manner. A 200 grain lead bullet at 2000fps simply isn't going to do that nearly as well.

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • M3 Mitch
[email protected] posted this 10 April 2021

Well I was able to get a couple boxes of Hornady 180 gr. GMX bullets Some kind of a high end all copper thing. I think it will be fine if it does what Hornady says it does. Also found Norma brass. I've had good luck with Norma brass. So far so good. 

Attached Files

Brodie posted this 05 April 2021

I know that components are hard to come by right now, and the Hornady interlock is a very good bullet, but if you can get your hands on some Nosler 180 gr. partitions I think that they are even better.  Heck my Dad and old Charlie shot I don't know how many moose with 180 Sierra soft point boat tails, I even shot one myself. ( That was back when Sierra bullets was in , or near, South Gate Ca.  and we could get seconds for  next to nothing.  Take some of your cast 180 or 200 gr. bullets with you.  Where you hit the beastie is much more important than what you hit it with, and you might find something to take a poke at with them. 

Best wishes for your hunt. 

B.E.Brickey

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • Bud Hyett
Squid Boy posted this 05 April 2021

Made several hunts with a buddy that used a 30-06 for all his plains game. He was using 220 grain semi-pointed Nosler partitions. He was also the best game shot I ever saw. African hunts are expensive and the bullet is the cheapest component but I think the most critical to success. I would beat the bushes to find the very best bullet and heaviest as well and they will be cheapest in the end regardless of what you pay for them. If you have factory boxes to match the head stamps, that might make things a bit easier. Some countries are funny about details. Best of luck, it will be a fantastic time. Squid Boy 

"Squid Pro Quo"

Attached Files

  • Liked by
  • RicinYakima
  • Bud Hyett
Close